Doula – a Greek word meaning, A woman who serves.
A birth doula accompanies a woman in labor. She ‘mothers the mother,’ taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides continuous labor support for the mother as well as suggestions for the birth partner that can enhance their experience of birth. The doula is there in addition to, not instead of, the partner. Ideally, the doula and the partner make the perfect support team for the woman, complementing each other’s strengths.
A Doula ...
recognizes childbirth as a key life experience that the mother and father will remember all of their lives
understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor as well as the partners
assists the Mother and Father in preparing for and carrying out their choices for the birth
stays by the side of the laboring couple throughout the entire labor
provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping you get the information you need to make decisions you feel empowered by
facilitates good communication between the laboring Mother, Father, and clinical care providers.
perceives their role as nurturing and protecting the memory of your birth experience
Studies have shown that having a doula may decrease:
Epidural use by 60%
Cesarean birth by 50%
Pitocin use by 40%
Narcotics use by 30%
Forceps use by 30%
Length of labor by 25%
The benefits of doula care have been recognized world wide. The Medical Leadership Council of Washington, D.C, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and the World Health Organization are among the many healthcare organizations that value the benefits that Doulas provide to women in labor.
What a Doula doesn’t do:
Doulas do not provide you with any clinical care, so they do not replace your doctor or midwife.
